LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Survivors of domestic violence, along with their supporters, gathered in downtown Lexington on Thursday evening.
The 3rd annual vigil is put together by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department to put a stop to domestic violence.
For domestic violence survivors like Georgie Satterwhite, physical pain may heal but the emotional scars never go away.
"Sometimes I don't want to tell it because it brings back a lot of pain," said Satterwhite. "They think I'm a happy, going person and everything. But nobody knows my story."
In 2007, Satterwhite grew the courage to leave her husband, who she claims had been using drugs. Then, early one morning when she was leaving for work, Satterwhite says the unexpected happened.
"I thought he was playing. So by the grace of God, I just fought him," she said. "My son came out, but before that, he had stabbed me 16 times with a screwdriver."
Although it's hard to talk about, Satterwhite says she's just happy to still be alive. It's for survivors like Satterwhite that the Fayette County Sheriff's Department holds an End the Silence vigil; to recognize, remember and honor domestic violence survivors.
"This event gets people talking. It's allowed to exist because people are silent about it," said Sheriff Kathy Witt. "They're afraid to come forward, they will think no one will understand. And often times they're ashamed and they don't need to be."
If you or someone you know is in a violent relationship, call the Fayette County Sheriff's Department at 859-252-1771.
